Many of us have felt stress during this election. For some it can be called Election Stress Disorder. More on the disorder and how to cope with it here. According to the American Psychological Association, election stress crosses all generations:
The chart shows just how pervasive this election stress is. Time.com has compiled a list of 7 ways that will help alleviate election stress and I have added a few of my own.
- As much as possible, stay away from Facebook. Trump supporters are not taking prisoners. If you don’t support Trump ‘enough’ you’re done. Republicans on Facebook report daily on the loss of friendships over this election. It’s not worth it. Get off Facebook for the next two weeks.
- Stop watching or listening to news 24/7. Restrict the amount of time you watch, listen, or read the news
- When stress gets overwhelming, take three deep breaths. Deep breathing lowers stress.
- If you must discuss the election, make the it a meaningful discussion and walk away if you can’t debate without becoming angry.
- Try Prayer and/or meditation. Both work to lower stress and prayer has other benefits. When you get stressed, turn to God. He’ll help.
- Know when to stop discussions, prior to losing your temper and the chance of losing a friend.
- Send prayers for the other party too. They need guidance and love.
- Maintain your regular schedule, sleep, eat, and exercise well.
- Be comforted in knowing this will end in 14 days.
More on how to cope with this terrible election cycle, and how to cope when it finally ends, here.
